With the exception of Michael Brantley making his 2016 playing debut, Byrd was the word in Goodyear on Thursday. Several sources announced the signing of the 38 year old to a minor league deal, pending a physical at the time of this publication.
At 38, most players with Byrd’s skill set join Adam LaRoche to enjoy a nice retirement in a warm climate. Byrd, however, has managed to stay in the league due to being a consistent source of power over the past three seasons. As our own Justin Lada pointed out, Byrd has hit at least 23 home-runs every season during that span. His option was declined by the Giants because of their already young and crowded outfield and not because his lack of production. It is reasonable to expect around league average offense with a useful amount of home-runs that should provide at least 1 WAR if he gets 500 plate appearances.
However, it will be difficult to attain that amount of playing time. Will Venable, Robbie Grossman, Shane Robinson, Joey Butler, Rajai Davis and Collin Cowgill are all the other Indians’ off-season acquisitions in the outfield. The benefit the team will enjoy is the depth which is vital in a 162 game season.
Although he can play every outfield position, it is likely he will only stay in right or left field. The only outfield position that he carries a positive career UZR is right, where he owns a 6.1 over 3,618 career innings.
It is doubtful that Byrd has the type of resurgent season he had in 2013, but the Indians are willing to take the gamble to help fill the void left by Brantley’s injury.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
